Learning the different articles of clothing in French is fundamental to surviving in daily life. Fortunately and unsurprisingly there aren’t really any clothing articles in French that you probably aren’t already familiar with. This should make it easy to memorize all of the clothing-related vocabulary that exists out there seeing as you should already be able to associate it with something that you can recognize.
To start off, let’s look at some articles of clothing that both men and women often wear.
Unisex Clothing Terms in French Unisex Clothing Terms in English
L'anorak (m) Ski jacket / Winter jacket
Le blouson Jacket
Le bracelet Bracelet
La casquette Cap
La ceinture Belt
Le chapeau Hat
Le collier Necklace
Le gant Glove
Le gilet Vest, Cardigan
L'imperméable (m) Raincoat
Le jean Jeans
Le maillot Jersey
Le maillot de bain Swimsuit
La manche Sleeve
Le manteau Coat
Le masque Mask
Le pantalon Pants (US) / Trousers (UK)
Le peignoir (de bain) Bathrobe
Le pull Sweater / Pullover / Jumper
Le pyjama Pajamas / Pyjamas
La salopette Overalls
Le short Shorts
Le slip Underpants, briefs
Le sweat-shirt / sweatshirt Sweatshirt
Le tablier Apron
Le tee-shirt T-shirt
L'écharpe (f) / Le foulard Scarf
L'uniforme (m) Uniform
Sticking with the theme of unisex clothing let’s look at some French footwear vocabulary.
Footwear Vocabulary in French Footwear Vocabulary in English
Les baskets (f) / Les tennis (m) Sneakers / Trainers
Les bottes Boots
Les bottines Bootees
Les chaussettes (f) Socks
Les chaussures (f) Shoes
Les chaussures à talons hauts (f) High-heeled shoes
Les espadrilles (f) Espadrilles
Les sandales (f) Sandals
Les pantoufles (f) Slippers
Let’s now go over articles of clothing that are typically associated with men.
Men's Clothing in French Men's Clothing in English
Le boxer (short) Boxer briefs
Le caleçon Boxer shorts
La chemise Shirt / Button-Up Shirt
Le costume Suit
La cravate Tie
Le gilet Vest / Suit vest / Waistcoast
Le maillot de corps Undershirt
Le nœud papillon Bowtie
Le polo Polo shirt
Le smoking Tuxedo
Le veston de sport Sport jacet
Let’s not finish off with some clothing that we most often associate with women.
Women's Clothing in French Women's Clothing in English
Le bikini Bikini
La chemise de nuit Nightshirt / Nightgown
Le chemisier Blouse
Le collant Tights / Pantyhose
La combinaison Slip
Le débardeur Tank top
La jupe Skirt
La minijupe Miniskirt
La robe Dress / Gown
Le slip Panties
Le tailleur Suit (for women)
Les bas (m) Stockings
Le soutif / Le soutien-gorge Bra
Hopefully now you have a good idea of the most common French clothing vocabulary used among natives. To learn other French vocabulary head on over to the French vocabulary page.

